Tokyo-based Astellas has appointed James Robinson as its new president of Americas operations, effective 1 April.
Robinson will take over responsibility for the company’s operations in North and South America from Masao Yoshida who retires in June.
Currently, Robinson serves as senior vice president of sales and marketing at Astellas and is responsible for leading its sales, marketing, product planning, market access and commercial operations in the US.
Prior to joining the pharmaceutical company in 2005, he worked at Schering-Plough from 1992 in various sales positions including vice president of hepatitis sales and managed care, where he led the largest specialty pharmaceutical sales division at the firm.
Astella’s president and chief executive officer Yoshihiko Hatanaka said: “As a 10-year veteran of Astellas with more than 20 years of healthcare industry experience, Jim’s commitment to operational and commercial excellence has helped Astellas grow dramatically in the Americas.
“His deep experience, skills and strong commitment to operating and leading with the highest sense of ethics and compliance will help Astellas stay focused on our global vision to be on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients.”